Same-Same But Different: Style Solutions For A Shared Wardrobe

By Dan Ahwa
Viva
Photo / Scott Hardy

These days, a shared wardrobe is a style solution as old as time, the perfect formula for our brave new realities.

Common ThreadsA monochromatic colour palette is the perfect starting point for matching outfits. Ruby wears BW 36.174 shirt $799. Gregory trousers $449. Elvio Zanon boots, $389, from Wallace Rose. Jimmy wears Workshop jacket $398, and trousers $329Dr Martens shoes $290.

Kindred SpiritsA swirling print from one of Aotearoa's iconic fashion labels is an inspiring option for special winter occasions inviting you and your plus one. Ruby wears Zambesi dress $695. Jimmy wears Zambesi shirt $595.

Kiss Me QuickThe creative couple add natural tones to their wardrobe repertoire, befitting their down-to-earth personalities. Ruby wears Harris Tapper dress $449Witchery boots $450Jasmin Sparrow earrings $599, and necklace $995. Jimmy wears Workshop shirt $329Dickies trousers $100. Nike sneakers $280.

Different StrokesInspired by the colours of this Salome Tanuvasa painting on display at Tim Melville Gallery, our muses take on relaxed tailoring with a twist. Ruby wears Helen Cherry blazer $798, and trousers $429Gucci loafer with horsebit $1215. Jimmy wears Frankie Shop blazer, $375, and trousers, $370, from Seletti Concept StoreOur Legacy top, $229, from WorkshopGucci horsebit loafers $1280.

On the wall: Untitled, 2021 by Salome Tanuvasa, acrylic on canvas (2000mm H x 2100mm W). Artist Salome Tanuvasa's marks are distillations of her thoughts and memories moments of time, moments of pause. Her paintings ask "what kind of marks can hold a viewer's attention?" The MFA graduate from Elam has developed a visual response to her immediate surroundings. See Salome's new site-responsive commission on display at the Gus Fisher Gallery in Auckland from June 26-September 4 as part of the group exhibition 'From Our Beautiful Square'; and as part of the 'Stars Start Falling' exhibition at the Govett-Brewster in New Plymouth on display now until August 15.

Double StandardJeans are a wardrobe staple re-invented time and again. In an era where work/life balance and dress codes require flexibility, consider the benefits and versatility of high-low dressing. Ruby wears Standard Issue top $199Karen Walker blazer $595Levi's jeans $170. Kate Sylvester shoes $499. Jasmin Sparrow earrings $599. Jimmy wears Checks Downtown hoodie $159Levi's jeans $170. Gucci horsebit loafers $1280.

Warm EmbraceA blanket knows no gender; a simple shape wrapped around the body in various ways provides ample inspiration for weekends at home. We love these bright options celebrating New Zealand wool from Fresh Retro LoveRuby wears Standard Issue top $195. Karen Walker jeans $229. Marni sandals, $1037, from Farfetch. Jimmy wears Kate Sylvester top $259. Gregory trousers $349Dr Martens shoes $290. Fresh Retro Love blankets $299 each.

Team SpiritGucci's artistic director Alessandro Michele's steadfast vision of gender-fluid dressing continues to inspire. This sportswear-inspired look from the luxury brand's pre-fall 2021 collection are a great way to harness the feeling of unityJimmy wears Gucci T-shirt $855 and jeans $730.

Into Your ArmsBorrowing clothes from your significant other is a great way to feel connected. A lingering scent or the familiar texture of a particular fabric can help us feel closer in a world of social distancingRuby wears Gregory shirt $389Standard Issue vest top $229Karen Walker trousers $295Marni sandals, $1037, from Farfetch. Jimmy wears Spellbound jacket, $398, from Workshop. Gregory trousers $349Dr Martens shoes $290.

Fashion director / Dan Ahwa. Photographer / Scott Hardy. Photographer’s assistant / Bridget McCarthy. Hair, makeup and grooming / Jemma Barclay. Fashion assistant / Annabel Dickson. Models / Jimmy Mac and Ruby Higgins. Special thanks to Tim Melville Gallery.

– Originally published in Viva Magazine  Volume Four

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